backyard

While it seems extreme, homeowner Jennifer Bater couldn't be happier about her yard - or lack thereof. The Chicago resident said that the small yard between her brick house and brick garage was "like a kiln" and simply a place that you'd rather not go. Instead of going the route of many homeowners, installing plants and trees, she hired her interior designer to create a Spanish retreat for her.

A 5-sided gazebo, which can be seen in the picture, is attached to the garage and is outfitted with marble basin-style fountains and a weatherproof ceiling fan, in addition to chairs and tables. The water and powerlines have been laid underground, to minimize "urban distractions" and a deck and stairway were added on to the back of the house, leading down. The gazebo is surrounded by roses and other perennials. The cost was around $100,000, but Bater seems to think that it was worth every penny. "When you sit out there in the gazebo, you are of the garden, not in the garden. It's cool."

Fire pits are definitely a hot item for the yard this year, literally and figuratively. ArtBuzz takes the combination of fire and metal a step further by adorning fire pits with a sharp, elegant flame design. The Bowl O' Fire fire pits are huge. Available in two sizes, one measures 19.5" deep and 37" diameter and weighs in at 150 pounds ($650), while the other is 19.5" deep, 41" diameter and weighs 175-lbs ($695). The weight isn't surprising when you consider that they are hand cut from 1/4-inch thick recycled steel. Since the bowls are hand-cut, each one is slightly different, guaranteeing that you'll get a unique piece that is also a showstopper. All of the bowls have a warm rush finish, so there is no need for any maintenance, either.

ArtBuzz also makes matching Torches by the same process, which are a great way to accent the yard, and a miniature fire pit/grill that is a great choice for cooks, or simply for those who don't have enough room for the full sized pit.